Welcome to all 846 subscribers of the Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter, and many more who view it on our sponsor site, Jaltemba Bay Life, and our forum.

Hurricane Dora, our fourth weather system of the season, has come and gone with little fanfare. She was downgraded to a Tropical Storm with winds of only 45 mph on Saturday morning. The first three weather systems, Adrian, Beatriz and Calvin were also of little consequence to the Bahia de Jaltemba. Eugene will be our next named weather system if it develops. Please refer to our forum for storm updates, and the Jaltemba Bay Weather Page for current conditions and accumulated data.

Our newsletter continues to grow. In order to keep upcoming issues at a manageable length, we have included a brief excerpt from some of the articles along with a link to the full version. This way, you can pick and choose which articles you want to read in their entirety (although we hope they all pique your curiosity).

To find out what else is going on, read through the information below and take a peek at our online Community Calendar.

We want to remind you that the Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter is being published bi-weekly during the summer. The next issue will arrive in your InBox on August 8th just in time for your morning coffee.

Saludos!

Editor, Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter

Photo of the Week

Whimbrelby Roger Williams

The Whimbrel is a member of the Curlew family. It is primarily a coastal species found on marshes, beaches and rocky shores, often in flocks, but it forages singly. It feeds more by picking, less by probing, than other Curlews.

P.S. This photo was taken on the beach in Guayabitos back in 2008 by Allyson's Dad, who happens to be an avid nature photographer. I am beaming with pride that he submitted a photo to use in our little newsletter. Thanks Dad!

Jaltemba Bay DISH:

Ally's inside scoop on where to find seriously good food

Watermelon Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca

Let's face it. It's really HOT out there. And anything cool, fizzy and fresh is right up my alley (no pun intended) -- especially when it combines the best flavors of summer: mint leaves, cucumber and watermelon.

Agua fresca ("fresh water") is a common drink found throughout Mexico. Not only can you find it in a variety of flavors, but it is also light, refreshing, and the perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day. Get the recipe >

Featured Articles

Riviera Nayarit Celebrates Corn

Because of the upcoming Sweet Corn Fair in Jala on August 6-15, we have included this article originally published on the Riviera Nayarit Blog...

It is in New York where the largest corncob of the world is exhibited, in a museum showcase, but even those who have seen it there are unaware of where it was grown. That corn was harvested in the outskirts of Jala, a small and rural village in the central area of Nayarit.

The high plateau in that zone neighboring the Riviera Nayarit is famous for cultivating the most valued grain by Mexicans. From Xalisco to Ixtlan, you can enjoy a landscape that combines different natural habitats with the cornfields; but what has given fame to the region is the size of the corncobs that are grown here.

The record belongs to the corn exhibited in New York, which measures 50 centimeters (19.69 inches) from grain to grain, without counting the cob. However, in this region you will not find a corncob smaller than 30 centimeters (11.81 inches) long, for the pride of the farmer who grew it. Read full article>

Weather Statistics for July 11-24

During the summer months, we will continue to include these statistics in each issue of our newsletter...

TEMPERATURE

High: 30.9 C (87.6 F) on July 21 at 6:00pm

Low: 22.2 C (72.9 F) on July 16 at 3:30am

RAINFALL

Heaviest: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches) on July 16

Monthly Total: 280.9 mm (11.06 inches)

Yearly Total: 458.7 mm (18.06 inches)

To view current weather conditions, go to the Official Jaltemba Bay Weather Page. Remember, the information is downloaded from the station every 5 minutes, so be sure to refresh your browser to see the most recent data.

From Our Readers

Camille's Conjectures: Learning to Live in Mexico -- Part 3

A funny thing happened on the way to our casa...

As we trudged the last steamy, dusty leg of our daily shopping excursion back up the hill to our casa, we came upon a sight that stopped us in our tracks. It made me giggle and my husband chuckle for several minutes til the heat got the best of us and we continued on our way. Let me explain - On a previous day I had commented that it was truly amazing how well the many dogs, and countless roosters, chickens, and baby chicks all seemed to get along so well... Except on this day... Read full article >

Camille, who wishes to remain anonymous, just moved to La Peņita and has been writing about her experiences. She is using the pseudonym (nom de plume) Camille -- just because she likes it -- and has titled her stories "Camille's Conjectures". According to the Cambridge Dictionaries On-line, the definition of conjecture is "(the forming of) a guess about something based on how it seems and not on proof", which seems to fit her muses quite nicely, seeing that these are her impressions and not necessarily based on "facts".

Dog Days of Summerby Taco the Dog

Hi, this is Taco the Dog. My Mom told me I had to write something because we're in the Dog Days of Summer. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm really excited to introduce myself and tell you about my summer.

In case we haven't met, my name is Seņor Taco el Valiente (which means Sir Taco the Brave), but everyone calls me Taco -- except my Mom who calls me "Taco Chile Chihuahua Xoloitzcuintle Rottweiler". She says those are all my breeds, but no one really knows for sure. I'm 2― years old and I was rescued from the Spay & Neuter Clinic in Guayabitos, Mexico (that's why my new parents added the name Valiente. With a name like that, maybe I could be a Chihuahua Warrior some day!?).

I am having a great summer so far. I love spending time in Minnesota because the furniture is soooo comfortable, I get to snuggle with my aunts and uncles, and I get to go for lots of rides in my Mom's Jeep. Read full article >

Community Corner:

Updates on groups, organizations and other good works

Rotary Leadership Course

All clubs in District 4150 are invited to attend the "Strengthen Leadership Course" on Saturday July 30, 2011 at the Universidad Tecnológica de Nayarit in Tepic.

This course is aimed at Rotarians who have expressed a strong interest in Rotary and who have a desire to grow within our organization (potential for Future Presidents Club). The course will be taught by the Rotary Leadership Institute.

Rotary Club Jaltemba Bay La Peņita was initiated in November 2008. To learn more about its projects and programs, visit the Rotary community page or email Susana Connors. You can also register for the Rotary Bulletin.

Patrullajes (Turtle Patrols)

Ever wondered what goes on in a sea turtle protection camp? Here is a quick explanation of one part of the conservation work carried out on the beaches of the Jaltemba Bay and many other beaches around Mexico. This is very basic but should help you understand what's going on when you see the lights of a quad bike going up and down Playa El Naranjo every night during the nesting season (July to December). Read full article >

Los Grupos Ecologistas de Nayarit, A.C. has been working since 1993 to protect marine turtles in Mexico, concentrating their efforts in the state of Nayarit. For more information, view the Los Grupos Ecologistas de Nayarit community page.

Jaltemba Bay Life Updates + Reminders

Rental Statistics: July 11-24

People are already searching for "that perfect place to stay"

this coming winter. The number of pageviews and reservation inquiries on our site clearly illustrates that...

All listing fees have a 100% Money-Back Guarantee so you have absolutely nothing to loose... and because our rental section has so much activity, there's no better time!

Writers and Photographers Wanted

Do you like writing, blogging or taking photos? Then why not submit an article, story or photo to be featured in our newsletter. It doesn't matter "what" your subject matter is -- local hangouts, food, surfing, fishing reports, birding and sea life, interviews or personal stories -- what's important is that you participate. Plus it's a great way to express yourself, to share your experiences here in Mexico, and it's fun!

Calender + Events

Events are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in, and learn about, the Mexican culture. Here is a list of upcoming holidays, festivals, events, and activities worth planning around. Also check out our Community Calendar for a complete list of what's going on in the Jaltemba Bay area. If you have information about an event, please email us so we can include it in our next issue.

Upcoming

August 6-15

Sweet Corn Fair in Jala

Jaripeos (bull-riding exhibitions), fireworks, and a fair devoted to corn-related products, and of course a prize for the largest ear of corn, which sometimes exceeds 16 inches. (See article above for additional information.)

August 15

Dia de la Asuncion de la Virgen Guadalupe

(Ascension Day)

This nationwide holiday is one of Mexico's most important religious events. The Virgin Guadalupe is extremely important and revered by Mexican Catholics -- her image, almost without exception next to a crucifix, is everywhere in Mexico. Special masses and processions take place nationwide, with a huge mass at the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City (where the original image is hosted).

August 30-September 9

International Mariachi and Charro Festival

The 17th Annual "Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria" is slated for August 30 through September 9, and includes more than 100 events organized by the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce. The festival agenda revolves around music workshops on techniques that will bring together mariachi troupes from across the nation and more than a dozen foreign countries.

September 1

Día del Informe Presidencia

(President's State of the Union Address)

The President delivers the hard copy of his State of the Union Address to the Mexican Congress.

* Indicates possible non-working holidays.

** Nationwde Holidays -- Schools, banks, post offices, and other public government offices are closed during these Mexican National Holidays. Often times these and other major holidays include the nearest Monday to create a 3-day weekend.

Ongoing

Wednesdays:

Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay

Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30am at Piņa Colada Restaurant in Guayabitos. Members enjoy social time over breakfast with an official meeting beginning promptly at 8am. Various community leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, and artists are invited as guest speakers to give members a better understanding of the region they serve.

Thursdays:

Tianguis in La Peņita

The Tianguis (open-air market) is held every Thursday in and around the Plaza in La Peņita (map) from 8am-1pm or so. It is "the" place to be and be seen on Thursdays... and to shop for silver and handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry, linens and tableclothes, glassware, Talavera plates and sinks, Huichol Indian artwork and Oaxacan rugs and black clay pottery. You can buy everything from dried chiles, fresh fruits and veggies, homemade breads, and locally-produced honey and coffee beans, to new and used clothing, kitchen accessories, blender and stove parts, and just about anything else you can think of. The market in La Peņita is one of the largest and most well-known markets in the entire area. (Note: While the Tianguis continues year-round, many of the artisans do not participate during the summer months.)

2011-12 Fundraising and Charity

Event Schedule

We realize that many of you plan your vacations around the local fundraising and charity events in town, so we have emailed the event organizers to gather information. We will include additional events and dates as soon as we are notified.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

9th Annual International Margarita Challenge

Place: Piņa Colada Restaurant, Guayabitos

Details: Doors open at 4:30pm

Friday-Sunday, February 3-5, 2012

4th Annual Cancer de Mama Clinic

Place: La Peņita RV Park, La Peņita

Clinic details to come.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

14th Annual / 5th Memorial "El Famoso"

Horseshoe Tournament

Place: David's Palapa, Guayabitos.

Details: Check in is at 8:30am. Participants must pre-register on Thursday, February 2 at 4pm at Mateja's.

Featured Businesses + Vacation Rentals

We are proud to promote these businesses, vacation rentals, and real estate listings on the Jaltemba Bay Life site. Please support these and the other local businesses that make our website possible through their advertising. Thank You!

NEW

Casa de Los Amigos

La Peņita

This Moorish-style Villa and Guest House offer the ultimate in relaxation in a tropical setting and sweeping views of the Bay. more>

NEW

Condo Paraiso

La Peņita

Newly upgraded 2-Bedroom condo just one block from the beach in La Peņita. more>

UPDATED

Alex Kerekes

Local Author & Adventurer

Alex has added two new videos to his collection.Follow his journeys through Mexico here.more>

FEATURED RENTAL

Los Compadres Resort

La Peņita

Beautiful resort with 7 spacious and private suites and stunning views of the entire Jaltemba Bay. Stay for a week or month. more>

Add your business or vacation rental (hotel, bungalow, rental home, bed and breakfast, condo, apartment or RV park) to our directories, and be seen by people who are specifically interested in the Jaltemba Bay area -- VRBO and other rental sites can't offer that or our 100% Money-Back Guarantee. And because you list "By Owner", you can change your information, pricing structure, discounts, photos, and availability as often as you like. For more information, click the links below or email us.

Listing your Real Estate By-Owner on our site is easy, affordable, and runs until you sell. And for a limited time, we will also include an ad for your property in our weekly newsletter like those shown below. Click here to find out how.

Hacienda La Peņita

La Peņita

$2,190,000

This stunning and picturesque estate is one of the most incredible properties north of Puerto Vallarta. Must see to fully appreciate. more >

We want to THANK YOU for taking the time to read this issue of the Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter.

We are very proud of our new website, Jaltemba Bay Life, and have been working hard to provide you with the most up-to-date and informative site for both locals and visitors to the area. We stand by our product and our commitment to the community -- that's why all fees are 100% money-back guaranteed! If you own a business, hotel or vacation rental, and/or have real estate to sell, we hope you will consider advertising on our site. You will be listed in our directories and be seen by thousands of locals and visitors each and every week.

We value your opinions and feedback. Please email us or post on the Jaltemba Bay Folk Forum if you've enjoyed this issue of our newsletter or if you have comments or suggestions about how we can make our community website even better!